While many people assume alcoholism involves daily drinking, consumption patterns are often more complex. Among those struggling with alcohol use disorder (a far less stigmatizing term than “alcoholism”), alcohol consumption varies dramatically. And in fact, an alcohol use disorder is diagnosed more by the impact of alcohol as opposed to the frequency of consumption.
If you or someone you love is struggling with alcohol misuse and/or you’re wondering whether your consumption levels warrant treatment, Guardian Recovery — Tampa Addiction Center can help. Offering medically managed detox as well as individual, group, and family therapy, our Largo, FL, facility is committed to guiding you or a loved one through the initial stages of your recovery journey.
Understanding Alcoholism
Alcohol use disorder (AUD) affects more than 28 million Americans aged 18 and older.(1) It is categorized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse consequences. These consequences will reveal themselves in multiple areas of life, including:
- Social — Drinking inhibits the ability to develop and maintain healthy relationships.
- Financial — Excessive drinking can lead to irresponsible spending and a diminished ability to earn money.
- Health — Short-term health consequences include hangover symptoms such as headaches, nausea, and low energy. Long-term health consequences include liver and heart disease, among others conditions.
- Occupational — Intoxication from alcohol or recovery from previous intoxication often prevents people from maintaining steady employment.
Someone living with an AUD is often unable to logically connect these consequences with their alcohol consumption, which often leads to continued use.
Though there is no single cause for an AUD, several factors—e.g., alcohol consumption at an early age, genetics, and mental health conditions—can increase its risk.
Spectrum of Alcohol Use Disorder
Like other substance use disorders, an AUD has various levels of severity ranging from mild to severe, typically based on the overall impact that alcohol has had on the user. Mental health professionals can best determine the level of severity via a diagnostic assessment typically performed during the early stages of treatment. Professionals turn to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) for criteria needed to diagnose various mental health disorders, including AUD, and to gauge their severity.
According to the DSM-5, an AUD is “a problematic pattern of alcohol use leading to clinically significant impairment or distress, as manifested by at least 2 of the following 11 symptoms occurring within a 12-month period.” Severity is determined by the number of symptoms, with 2 to 3 symptoms for mild AUD, 4 to 5 for moderate, and 6 or more for severe.(2)
- Alcohol is often taken in larger amounts or over a longer period than was intended.
- There is a persistent desire or unsuccessful efforts to cut down or control alcohol use.
- A great deal of time is spent in activities necessary to obtain alcohol, use alcohol, or recover from its effects.
- Craving, or a strong desire or urge to use alcohol.
- Recurrent alcohol use resulting in a failure to fulfill major role obligations at work, school, or home.
- Continued alcohol use despite having persistent or recurrent social or interpersonal problems caused or exacerbated by the effects of alcohol.
- Important social, occupational, or recreational activities are given up or reduced because of alcohol use.
- Recurrent alcohol use in situations in which it is physically hazardous.
- Alcohol use is continued despite knowledge of having a persistent or recurrent physical or psychological problem that is likely to have been caused or exacerbated by alcohol.
- Tolerance, as defined by either of the following:
- A need for markedly increased amounts of alcohol to achieve intoxication or desired effect.
- A markedly diminished effect with continued use of the same amount of alcohol.
- Withdrawal, as manifested by either of the following:
- The characteristic withdrawal syndrome for alcohol (See the “How is alcohol withdrawal managed?” section for some DSM-5 symptoms of withdrawal).
- Alcohol (or a closely related substance, such as a benzodiazepine) is taken to relieve or avoid withdrawal symptoms.
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Drinking Patterns in Alcoholism
An AUD is characterized by its overconsumption of alcohol, which can take many forms, some of which don’t necessarily involve drinking every day. Though there is a broad spectrum in which someone would qualify for a diagnosis, proper assessment and self-awareness are necessary to make an accurate diagnosis by a qualified health professional.
Daily Drinking vs. Binge Drinking
Two patterns of alcohol misuse are daily drinking and binge drinking. The former often leads to physical dependence, resulting in withdrawal symptoms if alcohol consumption is stopped or significantly curtailed.
Binge drinking, however, is defined as a pattern of alcohol consumption characterized by intermittent abstinence followed by episodes of heavy drinking. Individuals engaging in this behavior often confine their alcohol use to brief yet intense periods known as binges. It’s important to note that someone with an AUD may exclusively exhibit this pattern of drinking.
Psychological and Social Influences
The psychological and social influences on alcohol misuse and dependence are profound and multifaceted. Psychologically, factors such as stress, trauma, and co-existing mental health disorders can significantly increase the risk of developing an AUD.
Socially, the environment plays a critical role, as exposure to a culture of heavy drinking, peer pressure, and lack of social support can all contribute to the onset and perpetuation of alcohol misuse. These influences intertwine, often creating a complex web that can make AUD more challenging to overcome, underscoring the need for holistic treatment approaches that address both the individual’s mental health and their social context.
Signs of Alcoholism
Alcohol misuse can be difficult to detect, as individuals with an alcohol use disorder often take great lengths to conceal typical signs and symptoms due to the shame and stigma associated with the disorder. However, the following behaviors may help you identify disordered behaviors in yourself or others.
Physical and Behavioral Symptoms
An AUD often has a physical impact on a person’s behavior patterns. Some hallmarks of these behavior patterns include:(3)
- Neglecting personal hygiene or appearance
- Mood and personality changes
- Depression
- Hyperactivity
- Isolation
- Neglecting school or work responsibilities
- Losing interest in favorite activities or hobbies
- Sleeping more or less than usual
- Eating more or less than usual
- Problems developing within interpersonal relationships
Though there may be a legitimate reason for each of these behavioral factors, the presence of more than one can be a warning sign of addiction.
Addressing Drinking Behavior
Addressing a loved one’s excessive drinking can be an uncomfortable task. Choosing the right time, place, and method to address this sensitive topic are paramount. It’s helpful to keep a few key tips in mind when doing so:
- Maintain a Supportive Role — If you come off as accusatory or demeaning, the desire to help may be misinterpreted as an accusation, which then leads to resistance. Do your best to be supportive.
- Offer Helpful Solutions — Arm yourself with helpful knowledge of AUD as well as treatment options. You will be able to offer helpful solutions showing your loved one that you prioritize their well-being.
- Seek Professional Help if Necessary — Licensed professionals who specialize in these encounters are known as interventionists. They can be a helpful resource in addressing drinking behavior with a loved one.
Treatment and Recovery Options
Excessive drinking can impact every area of life. Substance use treatment can be an important step in the recovery process. With a proper detox and treatment program, you or your loved one will be able to address the physical and mental components of this illness. Licensed medical and clinical professionals can guide you through this journey to physical, mental, and emotional health.
Commonly Asked Questions
We offer programs lengths individualized for each client. Generally detox is anywhere from 3-7 days. These are estimates and are adjusted to meet the needs of the individual client.
Yes! We work with most major insurance providers. We offer free no-obligation insurance benefit checks for those who are interested in our program. Our admissions team will speak with your insurer and get a detailed verification of your insurance benefits and share those details with you. Unfortunately Medicaid and Medicare do not cover our facility.
Tampa Addiction Center facilities are located in the Southeast United States. Our first facility to launch is based near Tampa Bay, Florida at:
405 7th Ave SW
Largo, FL 33770
Absolutely. We understand that addiction affects the entire family system and encourage families to participate in their loved one’s treatment. To help families recover we also offer intervention services, case management, and family workshops.
Yes. We believe in complete and total confidentiality and privacy for all of our clients. We take extra measures to make sure we go above and beyond HIPAA and health privacy standards. If you are concerned about specific privacy requirements please feel free to reach out and we can answer your questions.
While we strongly discourage leaving before treatment completion, we are not a lockdown facility. Clients are in our program voluntarily and may leave when they want.
Clients who need to take off work to attend treatment may be eligible for the Family Medical Leave Act (FMLA). FMLA ensures that you will not be terminated while taking a leave of absence from work to attend treatment. Our admissions and case management staff can help with setting up any FMLA paperwork. For clients who are self employed, we do offer an executive program that allows for cellphone and laptop access in certain cases during business hours.
Admissions is quick and easy. Once you call our admissions team one of our dedicated treatment advisors will perform a pre-assessment over the phone . This takes about 10 minutes and just makes sure Guardian Recovery is the best fit for you or your loved ones individual needs. After the assessment we will verify insurance benefits and arrange a time for your intake (this can be as quick as 30 minutes from the initial call). If you need a ride to the facility we will dispatch one of our drivers and you will begin your recovery at our facility. It is that easy. To get started call us 24/7 at (844) 904-1778 or submit this online form click here.
Learn More About Alcohol Addiction Treatment in Tampa
Tampa Addiction Center is the leading choice for alcohol detox in the Southeast. Our professional and empathetic staff ensure that clients are safe and as comfortable as possible during a medically managed detox and that they are well equipped to begin the recovery process.
Call today to speak with a treatment advisor about your options. Along with answering your questions and listening to your story, they can provide insights about various levels of care as well as a free, no-obligation insurance check to verify your benefits. Reach out today to learn more and to take your first step toward lasting recovery.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol’s Effects on Health. Available from: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/publications/brochures-and-fact-sheets/understanding-alcohol-use-disorder.
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Alcohol Use Disorder: From Risk to Diagnosis to Recovery. Available from: https://www.niaaa.nih.gov/health-professionals-communities/core-resource-on-alcohol/alcohol-use-disorder-risk-diagnosis-recovery
- National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism. Recognize Early Warning Signs. Available from: https://niaaaforteens.niaaa.nih.gov/signs-problem.
